Matildas name Asian Cup squad

Westfield Matildas Interim Head Coach Alen Stajcic has announced his squad for Australia’s title defence of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Vietnam this month.

Westfield Matildas Interim Head Coach Alen Stajcic has announced his squad for Australia-s title defence of the AFC Women-s Asian Cup in Vietnam this month.

Following a six day training camp on the Gold Coast, Stajcic finalised his 23-player squad for the tournament, which doubles as the qualifiers for next year-s FIFA Women-s World Cup in Canada.

Headlined by 2014 Julie Dolan Medallist (Westfield W-League Player of the Year) Tameka Butt and W-League Young Player of the Year Stephanie Catley, the squad also includes US-based quartet Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Foord, Samantha Kerr and Lydia Williams, who are currently at clubs in the National Women-s Soccer League.

Stajcic admits the selection process was tough but that the competition for spots highlights the quality of talent that is coming through, something that ultimately augurs well for the Matildas as they attempt to defend their title.

“During the camp I was impressed with the quality and standard of football that the girls produced and we certainly have been blessed with having some really good depth to pick from,” Stajcic said.

“We have only been able to work together for a short time since I came in but we implemented some new things at the camp which they responded well to and I-m confident that this squad has the potential to be successful in Vietnam and give the tournament a good shake.”

The Westfield Matildas have been grouped alongside world champions Japan, Jordan and host nation Vietnam for the AFC Women-s Asian Cup.

The squad flies out for Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday 8 May ahead of its opening game of the tournament against Japan at Thong Nhat Stadium on Wednesday 14 May 2014 (Kick-Off 8.15pm local time, 11.15pm AEST).

The top five teams at the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women-s World Cup.

Fox Sports will provide live and exclusive coverage of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Vietnam, featuring all matches of the Westfield Matildas.